Aquatics Phenomics Research Center supercharges undergraduate research

This summer, students from around the country are at WSU to address some of the most pressing questions facing aquatic ecosystems, from disease outbreaks and environmental stress to improving the resilience of species that are vital to Washington's economy, ecology, and heritage.

Now in its second year, the National Science Foundation-funded Robustness and Resilience of Aquatic Biosystems Research Exchange for Undergraduates (R&R REU) gives students hands-on experience contributing to active research at WSU. Based at the Aquatics Phenomics Research Center (APRC) and affiliated laboratories, the summer program places participants on interdisciplinary teams led by WSU faculty and connects them with government agencies, tribal nations, and other environmental partners.

This year's participants are measuring salmon stress responses and feeding biomechanics, studying how mussels and small crustaceans withstand environmental stress, examining Ranavirus outbreaks in amphibians, and investigating whale deaths along the Pacific Coast.

"The economy surrounding aquaculture in our state is in the hundreds of millions of dollars," said Erica Crespi, professor and associate director of research in the School of Biological Sciences. "Salmon, clams, mussels, and other species are not only important to our economy, but there are important tribal and cultural associations with these species."

The research within the R&R REU is focused on two main tracks: investigating bio-resilience in key aquaculture species and understanding disease prevalence and epidemics occurring within aquatic populations.

Faculty members Ryan Shartau and Katherine Corn are mentoring undergraduate researchers working on salmon stress responses and feeding biomechanics, while Wes Dowd is leading a research team investigating the stress responses of intertidal mussels and small crustaceans. Crespi herself is working alongside Professor Jesse Brunner to examine dynamics of Ranavirus outbreaks in amphibian populations, and Professor Thomas Waltzek in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology is assisting a student who is investigating whale mortality events on the Pacific coast.

"Research geared towards promoting healthy populations of these various species in the face of rising disease and environmental change will ultimately benefit our people and our state," said Crespi.

Alongside research and mentorship, REU participants learn about career pathways within the conservation and biology fields. Crespi and her team created a large tour itinerary for this year's participants, visiting research locations managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and meeting with employees at the U.S. Geological Survey, the Nature Conservancy, and the Colville and Nez Perce tribal nations.

U.S. Geological Survey scientists also will visit the APRC this summer to learn how to use its equipment in their own research, demonstrating the specialized capabilities WSU has developed, Crespi said.

"One of the greatest strengths of the College of Arts and Sciences is the number of opportunities we provide for students to contribute to research that has real-world impact," said Courtney Meehan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "Programs like this allow undergraduate students to work alongside faculty on challenges that matter to our environment, our communities, and our economy while developing the knowledge, confidence, and experience that prepare them for careers in science and research."

The second iteration of the R&R REU runs through August 2026. The application window for the 2027 R&R REU will open for undergraduate applications in December. Learn more on the R&R REU website.